A 30-year-old soldier identified as Freddy Torres Quiala has alleged that despite requesting a discharge from the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) for years due to health issues, his requests have been consistently denied.
Torres Quiala, who serves in the Managua Tank Division in Havana, fears potential prosecution and imprisonment. "This video is for my family and friends to know what I'm going through. I know they want to incriminate me in my unit and I understand what this may lead to, even though I am not at fault," Torres Quiala stated in a video he posted on social media, which he was later forced to remove.
"I know they want to prosecute and imprison me. They want to do the same to several others, unjustly, because I don't want to be a soldier anymore. I'm exhausted after eight years of service. I've spent four years as a cadet and eight as an officer. They are forcing me to continue in the Armed Forces despite my health issues," the young man, a native of Niquero in Granma province, explained.
Torres Quiala mentioned that he had been wanting to make the video for a while but waited for the right moment. "I completed the eight years so no one could say... not a year more or a year less," he indicated.
He claims to have spent five years requesting a discharge, appealing to high-ranking officials, visiting the MINFAR three times, and even sending a letter to the minister, all to no avail.
In an interview with journalist Yosmany Mayeta, Torres Quiala elaborated on his health problems. "I have been diagnosed with chronic sacrolumbalgia, which includes two herniated discs, a bifid spine, and cervical issues. This stems from my rheumatism. Additionally, I take strong psychiatric medications due to the stress and insomnia this situation has caused," he explained.
He added that he was forced to remove the video from his social media accounts and was threatened with prosecution for his statements. "I don't know if this is considered insubordination or a violation of the Minister's Order 4, which regulates the use of social media," he commented.
The lieutenant fears unjust prosecution by the Military Prosecutor's Office, although he is convinced he is in the right. "This is an injustice on their part. I am the one who is right, and by exposing it to the world, they want to take exemplary measures to instill fear in the officer corps so they don't do the same," he expressed.
Freddy, who is the father of a daughter who will turn six on September 7, is the primary provider for his family. He has advised Cuban families to discourage their children from becoming soldiers. "It's better to stand a thousand times than to live a life on your knees," he concluded.
Key Issues Surrounding Cuban Military Discharge Denials
These questions and answers provide more insight into the issues faced by Freddy Torres Quiala and others like him in the Cuban military.
Why is Freddy Torres Quiala seeking a discharge from the FAR?
Freddy Torres Quiala is seeking a discharge due to chronic health issues that include sacrolumbalgia, herniated discs, and rheumatism, which have affected his ability to serve.
What actions has Torres Quiala taken to obtain his discharge?
Torres Quiala has spent five years requesting a discharge, appealed to high-ranking officials, visited the MINFAR three times, and even sent a letter to the minister.
What are the potential consequences Torres Quiala fears for speaking out?
Torres Quiala fears potential prosecution and imprisonment for his statements, as he was forced to remove his video from social media and threatened with being judged by the Military Prosecutor's Office.
What advice does Freddy Torres Quiala offer to Cuban families?
Torres Quiala advises Cuban families to discourage their children from becoming soldiers, emphasizing that it's better to stand a thousand times than to live a life on your knees.